WHAT IS A TATTOO?
Not surprisingly, several of you have asked me what a Tattoo was. No, Mickey & I did not celebrate our 50th by marking up our bodies. NEVER!!!!
THE TATTOO TRADITION
The term "tattoo" derives from the cries of the 17th & 18th century Low Country innkeepers, who, as the fifes and drums of the local regiment signaled a return to quarters would cry, "Doe den tap toe!" "Turn off the taps!" The sound of the "taps" caused the innkeeper's customers to depart and return to their barracks. The word "tattoo" evolved over time, and refers to what developed as a ceremonial performance of military music by massed bands today.
In the old days, field musicians were vital to commanders as the sole means of relaying orders during battle. For marching, the bands kept the company or regiment in proper cadence, and served to beat the daily duty calls and ceremonies such as Reveille, Taps, the General, the Assembly, and the Retreat. Their distinctive and colorful uniforms were necessary to distinguish them easily on the battlefields, and were often the reverse color of those worn by the line soldiers. Servicing in both times of war and times of peace, these highly acclaimed military bands have traveled the world to provide entertainment to members of the military and their companions. They have performed for world leaders and dignitaries.
These are the groups that were included:
United States
Tidewater Pipes & Drums
U.S. Army TRADOC Band
U.S. Navy Fleet Forces Band
U.S. Marine Corps Security Force Battalion
Virginia Children's Choir
Virginia Symphony Orchestra
Chorus
Australia
OzScot Australian Dance Team
Scottish College Perth Pipe Band
The Dutch Marine Band of the Royal Netherlands Navy
South African Defence Force Joint Services Military Band
Kingdom of Tonga Defence Services Royal Corps of Musicians
Traditional Turkish Mehter Bank
United Kingdom
Imps Motorcycle Display Team
Canada
3 Area Support Group Gagetown Pipes & Drums
12 Wing Shearwater Pipes & Drums
The 2nd Canadian Mechanized Brigade Group Pipes & Drums
Pipes & Drums of the 2nd Battalion, Royal Canadian Regiment
It was difficult to take pictures I'll show a few so you can get the flavor of the Tattoo.
This is the Turkish band.
This is the Netherlands Navy
Scottish dancers
The combined Pipes & Drummers
U.S. Navy band
The Imps from Great Briton - These were kids ages 6 to 16 and they were absolutely adorable. In truth they almost stole the show.
More of the Imps
These were 3 dancers from The Tongo and were dynamite. Sorry we didn't get a picture of the band accompanying them.
One Section of the finale when EVERYONE was on the floor.
17 comments:
I was wondering about the meaning, also. Thanks so much for taking the time to educate the ones who didn't know. Very interesting!
Wow Susan, that looks so neat, something I would really enjoy.
I knew you didn't mean tattoo like most people think, though I must confess in my youthful,sinful, stupid days, I got one. It is now a testimony of what the Lord delivered me from.
Thanks for taking the time to post that!
wow! that looks and sounds incredible. a lot of companies involved. and obviously different since the imps were on motorcycles.
thanks for sharing all of that. i had never heard of the term... besides marking your body. and i knew that's not what you and mickey were involved in =)
Wow that was very interesting!
Thanks fo the lesson.
Looks like you and Mickey had a wonderful trip.
We have military tatoos here (have only seen on tv) but yu know I have never heard of the Imps.
Susan... I am glad you are reading The Shack... Buy enough tissues! This book really speaks to me! It has the ability to cut through religion and judgments and preconceived ideas about God ... I just love reading the book! Let me know what you think of the rest!
Edinburgh has a Tatoo every year and one of my colleagues are doing the Scottish dances now for 6 years already in the Tattoo!!
What a show! I learn so much coming to your blog. Sorry I haven't commented in a while, but it has been a little crazy around here.
I've just finished reading through all your holiday posts! Sounds like you had a fabulous time, seeing the sights and spending time with family.
You took some great pictures, too!
Love the pictures of the Tattoo! I too, was wondering what it was. From the pictures, it's hard to believe that the one in Nova Scotia was better!
Glad to have you back!
~ Leanne
How exciting! Just catching up alittle here. It looks like you've been having a wonderful time on vacation and visiting. Take care my friend. I'm happy you have this time together!
I had no idea. Thanks for taking the time to tell us all about that and for those interesting pictures.
Welcome back and happy anniversary? I think I missed it.
I am so far behind! I too was wondering what a Tattoo was (unfortunately, I know the other kind!)
I've never heard of the term. Sounds like a great time. Good pictures.
hi Susan.. looks like a great time..
trust all is well.
p.s
i've closed THE SALEMS blog as i thought it had run its course. starting a new one iNSPiRATiON iS iNSPiRED soon :]
God Bless
inspired
I was eager to find out exactly what a tattoo was (knowing better that you didn't get tattoos)!!!
Looks like great fun!
This homeschooling mother was very glad to learn something new. Thanks! I always thought the bands were just to keep up morale. I did not realize that they were used for transmitting commands to the troops. Very cool!
Wow - that looks awesome! What an experience. I learned so much from this post.
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